Solar Charging Station Up and Running

Solar Charging Station Up and Running

A new solar charging station located outside the Albertsons Library is now ready for use, adding to the numerous sustainable initiatives at Boise State University. The complimentary station provides 15 receptacles for campus-goers to charge phones, devices and computers via solar power. The station’s concept is the work of Barb Beagles and Trent Reagan and was completed as a Campus Operations’ Employee Design Initiative.

The station includes four, 160-watt solar panels on the roof, batteries for power storage, two digital video screens for promotional messaging, six swing-away seats, and repurposed wood to create table tops at two heights. The wood table tops were originally support beams in the former Applied Technology Building and were recovered before it was demolished. The retrofitting of a former kiosk into the solar charging station has been a cross-campus effort.

The station, which includes 120-volt outlets and USB ports, has solar panels capable of producing 640 watts of electricity. That electricity is stored in the station’s batteries, which provide 390 amp hours to the outlets and users.

The video boards provide opportunity for digital messaging similar to what is used in the Student Union Building. For more information on how to utilize the digital signage promotional services visit sub.boisestate.edu/info-desk/ or visit the SUB Info Desk in person.

The Campus Operations Employee Design Initiative began in 2013 and encourages division employees to submit design concepts that would enhance the Boise State campus. Submissions were narrowed from nine to the winner. Designs were evaluated based on three division goals: empathy for students, attention to detail and the demonstration of imputed quality, while also meeting budget, timeframe and project impact realities.

All faculty, staff, students, alumni and campus visitors are invited to visit and use the solar charging station.